College Football Futures: The Georgia Bulldogs were trendy futures pick last year after nearly winning the Southeastern Conference championship Game against Alabama in 2012 but were absolutely ravaged by injuries and ended up with a disappointing record of 8-5 as Missouri won the SEC East for 2013. This sets up the potential for a classic “beaten favorite” season for Georgia in 2014. Georgia opened as a 20/1 choice to win the BCS national championship with an over under win total of 9 -125. Georgia was at 5/1 to win the Southeastern Conference championship and was a 7/4 choice to win the SEC East Division.
Gurley Men on Offense
Record-setting QB Aaron Murray has graduated but senior Hutson Mason played well when called upon last year and has RB Todd Gurley back with a shot at the Heisman Trophy. The defense returns eight starters for new coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who lead last year’s No. 1 rated defense with national champion Florida State.
Handicapper’s Notes
Georgia has been a poor home favorite the past decade with just 24 payouts in their last 57 games in that role. Georgia has covered just 5 out of their last 16 games as a dog in that same span. The Bulldogs have covered just 12 out of their last 32 games when coming off a straight up loss and has paid out in just 36 out of their last 83 SEC games.
Our Prognosis
The Bulldogs covered the spread in just 3 out of 13 games last year as they could not overcome their massive injury list. That set’s up well for a classic “market correction” on the betting board this year. We expect UGA to rebound for 2014 and for Pruitt to field a vastly improved defense. Georgia could emerge as a surprise contender for the SEC title and a final four playoff spot!
